China announces anti-dumping investigation against European pork

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has initiated an anti-dumping investigation against imported pork and by-products from the European Union. This step is seen as a response to the EU Commission's announcement to impose high special tariffs on the import of Chinese electric vehicles. Recently, the EU Commission found that state subsidies distort the European market for Chinese electric vehicles. The EU Commission stated that it reserves the right to take legal action and will closely monitor the proceedings. A spokesperson from Brussels emphasized that interventions would be made if necessary to ensure that the investigation complies with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the investigation primarily concerns products for human consumption, including fresh and frozen pork as well as slaughter by-products. Last year, China imported pork worth nearly three billion euros, with the majority coming from the EU. European exporters generated around 2.5 billion euros in revenue in the Chinese pork market in 2023. Already in January, China had initiated a similar investigation against the import of spirits from the EU, particularly targeting products from France. Experts had anticipated such a reaction from China after the EU announced punitive tariffs. However, it is expected that Beijing will not impose tariffs on essential European products such as machinery or industrial products, as these continue to be needed. Jacob Gunter from the Berlin-based Merics Institute stressed that European automobile manufacturers are likely to be spared, as they significantly invest in China, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. Agricultural products and foods that are sufficiently produced domestically in China, such as pork, are expected to be the focus of these measures.